It’s time for an upgrade!

If you’re reading this at the time of it’s original posting, then you are likely on summer vacation. But even if you are not, this upcoming blog series is for you.

For the next few weeks, I’d like to invite you on a journey to upgrade your worksheets and beyond. As we know, worksheets, textbooks, etc.. have long been a staple in the classroom, but in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, it's important to embrace new technologies and teaching approaches to keep our 21st century students engaged and motivated to learn.

By incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, images, and audio recordings, we can make our instruction more dynamic, interactive, and effective. In this blog series, I'll be sharing some practical tips and tools for creating multimedia-enhanced learning and assessment, as well as some classroom technologies that can help take your teaching to the next level.

In this Blog series on multimedia instruction we’ll cover:

What is multimedia instruction and what does it look like and where do we see it?
The benefits and impact of multimedia instruction and why it’s worth upgrading our instruction to include it
Practical ways to swap out bland, outdated, or more traditional instruction with multimedia alternatives
How to incorporate multimedia into assessment
Tips for success

And, as we dive in to this series, I want to kick it off with a quote:

This next generation of students learners different -- and must be taught differently. Their brains are uniquely wired, and many attention problems are exacerbated when they are forced into the old traditional model of school.
If educators want this generation to be successful in their classrooms, they must figure out who these students are, what they want, and how they communicate.

(from the book: The InterACTIVE Class by Joe & Kristin Merrill)

The reality: We are teaching students that are very different from what we were as students. And the longer you’ve been teaching, the truer this is. To be effective - to make an impact - we have to speak to students in their language and teach the way they learn. And my hope is that by the end of this blog series, you’ll have some tools and ideas to do just that - teach the way students learn - and one critical way students learn is through multimedia and technology.

So, let’s get started, shall we?

What is Multimedia Instruction?

This isn’t the first time we’ve covered multimedia extensively here on The Classroom Nook. In fact, it’s a reoccurring theme and topic - and for good reason. Multimedia instruction IS 21st century instruction.

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What is a 21st Century Classroom?

In the context of education, multimedia instructions is a teaching practice that integrates different types of media like text, images, audio, video, interactive software (things like Google Earth, Kahoot, Quizziz, Flip, & LINKtivities) and yes, multimedia instruction can even include things like social media into the learning experience.

With the technology we have available today, multimedia instruction can be delivered through a range of platforms like computers, tablets, SMARTboards, and mobile devices.

The goal of multimedia instruction is to provide learners with a more immersive and engaging learning experience that promotes deeper understanding and retention of the content being taught. By incorporating various types of media, multimedia instruction can cater to a range of learning preferences, allowing learners to engage with the content in a way that suits them best.

What does Multimedia Instruction Look Like?

So - let's expand a bit to explore what multimedia instruction looks like and where we see it in action.

Websites

One prime example that clearly showcases multimedia instruction in action is through the use of websites. These days, websites are packed with all kinds of multimedia goodies like images, videos, audio, and interactive content, all on a single page. It's like a one-stop-shop for students to engage with different media and learn in a more interactive way. Instead of just reading texts or looking at pictures, they can watch videos, listen to audio, and even play around with interactive elements, all at the same time.

Presentations

Multimedia presentations are a game-changer when it comes to delivering information in a fun and engaging way. Tools like SMARTBoards, promethean boards, and the like, to spice up your lessons with videos, images, and cool animations. It's like bringing the content to life right before your students' eyes! Videos help explain complex stuff, images simplify ideas, and animations add that extra wow factor. The integration of multimedia elements through tools like SMARTBoards not only enhances the delivery of information but also promotes active participation and student engagement. These multimedia components provide a multi-sensory experience that caters to diverse learning styles, accommodating both visual and auditory learners. With a multimedia presentations, you can create interactive and dynamic learning experiences.

Games

Online learning games are in most classrooms these days and they're not just about fun and entertainment. These games pack a serious punch when it comes to helping us learn. They've got all sorts of cool features that make learning an absolute delight. Just take a look at those flashy graphics, for starters. They're like eye candy for our brains, keeping us engaged and excited to dive into the gameplay.

But it doesn't stop there. Online games are all about creating an immersive experience, and sound effects play a huge role in that. Ever notice those satisfying "ding" or "boing" sounds that signal when you've nailed a correct answer? It's like getting a high-five from the game itself! And when you slip up and choose the wrong option, those clever sound effects let you know in no uncertain terms. It's like having your own personal cheerleader or referee right there in the game. Games can be an incredibly powerful tool for learners.

Social media

Social media platforms have opened up a whole new world of sharing for educators. You can create classroom accounts on Facebook or Instagram to showcase the incredible work happening in your class. It's a great way to involve students and make learning more engaging. Plus, it fosters a sense of community where everyone can connect, support, and celebrate together. Creating a classroom account on a social media platform can be done in a safe way by creating private Facebook groups that only families have access to, or by creating private Instagram accounts that require your approval for those who’d like to follow you. Invite students to help you curate your feed and allow students to take part in sharing your classroom happenings through video, audio, and images.

E-books & AuDio Books

E-books and audio books are not your typical books. They're upgraded versions with all sorts of cool features to make reading an epic adventure! Imagine flipping through the virtual pages and stumbling upon awesome multimedia elements like images, videos, and audio. It's like diving into a whole new world where words come to life!

Audio books offer struggling readers or students learning English as a second language with the benefit of having the side-by-side combo of text and audio to follow along with. It's like having a personal reading buddy right there with you, cheering you on and helping you understand the story better.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality systems are true magic. Tools like Google Earth combine multimedia elements to create a whole new reality you can interact with. Through Google Earth students can interact with a location virtually and in 3-D through their screen to provide an interactive experience that takes learning about geography to the next level.

In the coming weeks in this blog series, we'll dive deeper into how multimedia can revolutionize the 21st-century classroom, making learning more dynamic and interactive. From exploring the power of augmented reality to discussing innovative multimedia tools, we'll uncover exciting ways to engage students and enhance their educational experience. By embracing the potential of multimedia, educators can create a vibrant learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles and sparks curiosity. So, stay tuned as we embark on this multimedia journey together, discovering new possibilities that will shape the future of education. Get ready to revolutionize your classroom with the magic of multimedia!